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Rent out vacation home, get tax-free cash

By Tom Kelly, Wednesday, July 19, 2006.

Kathy Turner is one of six siblings -- and it's her turn to host the family reunion. Her Michigan-bred gang will be invading the final two weeks of August, taking in the local landmarks the first week, then gathering at a nearby lake for the second half of the trip.

"We have a sort of standing agreement with a few of our lake neighbors to share cabins when big events are on the calendar," Turner said. "We don't charge a fee in return for being able to use one another's place down the road.  more...

Fixing drafty fireplace a top priority for widow

By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Wednesday, July 19, 2006.

Q: I am a widow trying to maintain a 1929 San Francisco home in the wet, foggy Outer Richmond neighborhood. In the backyard, there is an old, crumbly, rusty metal door about 12 inches square that is the ash cleanout for a fireplace above in the first-floor living room.

This panel door fastens with a pivoting arm into its frame but is torn with rusty holes. It must be replaced. Is that standard fireplace equipment and replaceable?

Also, the fireplace has lost its ash-pit cover in the floor of the firebox.  more...

Homeowner rescues real estate from tax sale

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, July 19, 2006.

For more than 30 years, Gary Kent Jones owned the house at 717 North Bryan St. in Little Rock, Ark. He lived there with his wife until they separated in 1993. Jones then moved to a nearby apartment. His wife and daughter continued living in the house.

Until 1997 when Jones made the final payment on his 30-year mortgage, the mortgage lender paid the property taxes to the local tax collector.  more...

Debts take joy out of real estate inheritance

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, July 19, 2006.

DEAR BOB: Is it true when someone inherits real estate, which was the deceased's primary residence, the mortgage will be wiped out at the time of death and the property title passes free and clear of all liens? I heard if the property was not the deceased's principal residence, then the heir has to pay the debts --Rick S.

DEAR RICK: Dream on, my friend!  more...